[It's a baldfaced lie, but a calm one. At this point, he's lying to himself more than anything: he's okay, because he has to be, because the alternative is unacceptable right now.]
[But being okay doesn't make him any less worried. He hesitates for a moment, then closes the space between them, throwing his arms around Chief. Hugging in armor is awkward at best, but that's not going to stop him.]
[ The Chief lets his shields down for just a moment so he can hold Wash, resting the jaw of his helmet on top of Wash's, giving him a firm but gentle squeeze through the armor between them. ]
I always do.
[ Well. He hasn't lost any limbs yet, anyway. He's nervous about what they're about to do, but they're familiar nerves. The team is as ready as they can be, and the Chief believes they'll find a way through this mission. He trusts his abilities and theirs. It's not cockiness, but it is confidence.
Maybe he can't give some of that confidence to Wash through contact, but it's not for lack of trying. ]
no subject
[It's a baldfaced lie, but a calm one. At this point, he's lying to himself more than anything: he's okay, because he has to be, because the alternative is unacceptable right now.]
[But being okay doesn't make him any less worried. He hesitates for a moment, then closes the space between them, throwing his arms around Chief. Hugging in armor is awkward at best, but that's not going to stop him.]
Come back in one piece, okay?
no subject
I always do.
[ Well. He hasn't lost any limbs yet, anyway. He's nervous about what they're about to do, but they're familiar nerves. The team is as ready as they can be, and the Chief believes they'll find a way through this mission. He trusts his abilities and theirs. It's not cockiness, but it is confidence.
Maybe he can't give some of that confidence to Wash through contact, but it's not for lack of trying. ]
Hold down the fort until I get back.